The Baihuālin Prefecture, vast in area, was something Zhao Jiaqi had seen on the map.
However, upon arrival, she truly understood what a map represented versus the actual scene.
Despite numerous towns under its administration, Baihuālin Prefecture was sparsely populated. Its vastness and sparse inhabitants spoke volumes about its situation.
After observing and listening to the prefect's account of the area, Duan Yao's heart sank. She was no longer sure if this place was suitable for building greenhouses.
"Second Sister-in-law, everything has its pros and cons; we can't just look at it from one angle!" Zhao Jiaqi surveyed their surroundings. "Fewer people here also has its advantages. Once these greenhouses are built and we start selling fresh vegetables in winter, this prefecture will be more prosperous and lively than it is now!"
The current lack of population meant a more peaceful environment for development. Once developed, people who had left might even return.
Since her younger sister-in-law had spoken, she couldn't doubt it further.
As it was too dark, the two lit torches and walked around the land. The situation here was similar to before. The land was largely the same, so proceeding as before would be fine.
"Second Sister-in-law, find the original foreman and have him lead his men to till and fertilize this land again, exactly as we did before!"
"Alright, I'll arrange it as soon as we get back!"
The two returned to the post station and, without resting, summoned the prefect that very night.
Li Yang, the prefect, was not afraid of a Princess Consort, but facing the Empress made him a little nervous.
"Greetings to the Empress and Princess Consort!"
Duan Yao waved her hand dismissively at the floor, her demeanor kind and approachable, entirely lacking the usual imperiousness of those in power.
"I have come this time because I have taken a liking to the land here. You know about the incident in Nancha Prefecture, so I intend to rent land here to build greenhouses and grow fresh vegetables!"
Hearing this, Li Yang processed each word, each carrying significant information.
He lowered his head, contemplating the Empress's words. They had all been shocked by what happened in Nancha Prefecture. Naturally, he understood. Was the Empress bringing this up now to remind him or hint at something?
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. If greenhouses are to be built under my jurisdiction, an incident like the one in Nancha Prefecture will never occur. I can guarantee it will be foolproof!"
Zhao Jiaqi and Duan Yao exchanged glances. The prefect was making grand promises without even thinking, but they quite admired his courage.
"Very well, over the next few days, please compile statistics on the population and arable land in all areas, including a roster for each village and household," Duan Yao said, after a moment of thought, allotting five days.
She continued, "Five days is a short time, but I believe you can complete it. I will return in five days, and I trust you will have handled everything perfectly. Isn't that right, Prefect Li?"
The Empress's sudden gentleness made Li Yang even more fearful. "Yes, yes, yes, this subordinate will definitely complete it!"
Not only would he complete it, but he would finish ahead of schedule! This was the goal Li Yang set for himself.
The Empress and Princess Consort went to rest, but how could he dare to rest? The Empress had just stirred things up, and now he had to stir up others.
Thus, he assigned tasks to the county magistrates under his jurisdiction, setting a three-day deadline for them.
As a result of this operation, the county magistrates arrived with excited hearts but left with grumbling complaints. However, the magistrates were not foolish and, upon returning to their respective residences, passed the task to the town mayors that very night.
The town mayors, with a belly full of frustration, then passed the matter to the village chiefs.
In the town mayors' words, the village chiefs were most familiar with village affairs, making it easier for them to compile the information.
When the village chiefs received this task, they understood it was related to renting their land for greenhouse construction. So, as dawn approached, they gathered the villagers to discuss it. After the village chiefs' analysis, everyone unanimously agreed that this was a good thing.
The land had been lying fallow for many years. Now, to be able to rent it out and receive five taels of silver annually for free, while also providing work for the local labor force, it was, by all accounts, a very good development.
Therefore, the village chiefs played a significant role, arranging for each household to measure their own land and report it to the village chief.
This series of efficient actions quickly resolved the matter. The town mayors, holding the rosters, submitted them up the hierarchy. Within three days, the matter was settled.
At this time, the Seafood Grand Restaurant officially opened.
This was an imperial restaurant. Local prominent families, as well as some ruffians and protection racketeers, dared not go in to cause trouble.
They only had one head to lose and were not about to make trouble for themselves.
On the opening day, the Empress appeared before the crowd. From those gathered to witness the event, ten lucky stars would be drawn for a free meal.
The remaining twenty lucky stars would receive a complimentary dish.
Seeing the eagerness in the crowd, Duan Yao added, "I will be offering some dishes for everyone to sample. If you find them delicious, you can participate in this game. If you find the dishes not to your liking, don't worry, you will be charged for the sampled dishes."
Zhao Jiaqi, looking down from upstairs, watched the crowd below as her second sister-in-law addressed them. She smiled and shook her head, "Why do I feel like Second Sister-in-law is suited for setting up a street stall? Her voice is so pleasant for calling out!"
Fan Zehao chuckled, "An Empress setting up a street stall would surely be a magnificent sight. It would probably sell out the moment she opened for business!"
Zhao Jiaqi nodded with mock seriousness, "Indeed, they wouldn't be rushing for the goods, but for the person."
They exchanged smiles and looked at the people below. A moment later, Helian Zhicheng arrived, dressed in commoner's attire.
Upon meeting, he let out a hearty laugh. "Brother, let me tell you, the daily output of our Deep Processing Workshop is steadily increasing. But why do I notice that most of the orders are still from your inner city?"
Fan Zehao raised an eyebrow, "What, do you have something in mind?"
He chuckled awkwardly, "You say that, of course I have something in mind!"
He hid nothing, "The processing plant is here, and we don't sell much, but yours sells exceptionally well. Doesn't that make me feel awkward?"
Fan Zehao looked at his petty demeanor. "You've gone far enough. Who you sell to is irrelevant; as long as the money goes into your pocket, that's what matters!"
His words were quite cutting. Helian Zhicheng was simply thinking that his country's consumption level was lower than Fan Zehao's, and he felt a little uncomfortable about it.
However, Fan Zehao's words were true. Money entering one's own pocket was the greatest comfort.
Downstairs, the crowd continued to sample the food. Those who tasted it inquired about the prices and, finding them not too expensive, also wished to participate in the lucky draw game.
The wealthy families, indifferent to these small freebies, directly entered the restaurant, eager to eat.
After a morning of activities, the restaurant's popularity had been temporarily established. The rest would depend on the taste of the food, though Zhao Jiaqi was very confident in that regard.
For lunch, the four of them, along with the prefect and the governor, totaling six people, dined together.
During the meal, both the governor and the prefect appeared somewhat constrained and hesitant to relax. Even though the dishes were delicious, they would only take a small bite before setting down their chopsticks, attending to the esteemed guests.